Program Analysis
Graduates earn $35,395/yr, roughly in line with the $41,256 national median for Chemistry. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The 18.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 17% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $24,000 debt-to-$35,395 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
Ranked #87 out of 205 programs, Portland State University's Chemistry offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth from $35,395 to $84,800 over five years (140% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.